Schengen Visas

Schengen Visas

Overview

All citizens of Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar are required to apply for a visa before entering Finland and/or other countries under the Schengen agreement. Before applying, please ensure you understand your particular ‘purpose of visit’. Schengen visas must be applied for at the respective Embassy of the country of your main destination. Your main destination is the Schengen country where your duration of stay exceeds all others. Due to this, when traveling to more than one Schengen country, you should submit your application to the Embassy representing the country of your main destination. In case of equal stay, you have to submit your application to the Embassy of the Schengen country representing your first country of entry.

The Visa Application Centre accepts applications only for short stay Schengen visas (not exceeding 90 days during 180 days period). Applicants need to visit the Visa Application Centre in person. All applicants applying for a Schengen visa must submit biometric data - ten fingerprints and a photo. The biometric data will be stored in the Visa Information System (VIS), which is an IT system that allows data exchange between the Schengen States. More information can be found here.

Who can submit a visa application in Bangkok

The Visa Application Centre of Finland in Bangkok accepts Schengen visa applications from applicants residing in Thailand. Foreign nationals (other than Thai) need to submit a copy of valid residence or work permit for Thailand. Every applicant has to apply for a visa in person.

Finland represents Estonia in visa affairs in Thailand. Applicants travelling to Estonia submit their documents at the Visa Centre of Finland in Bangkok. Document requirements are the same as for those travelling to Finland.

Processing terms

Visa application can be submitted three months before the trip, we recommend you to apply at least one month before the planned trip. Please note that all applications are processed individually. The Embassy may request further documentation, information or you may be called for an interview which can prolong the processing time.

The Visa Application Centre takes visa applications with and without an appointment. For groups of 4 applicants or more it is mandatory to book an appointment. Information how to book the appointment can be found here.

The applicable visa fees in Thai Baht depend on current exchange rate, which can be changed without any notifications

The visa fees need to be paid in cash only at the Visa Application Centre.

Applicants who have exempted from the visa fees need to pay only the service fee.

The fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Documents Required

Please note that the visa category chosen by the applicant must be based on the purpose of travel to Finland and the decision must be made by the applicant him/herself. An application filled incorrectly and carelessly can cause a refusal of the visa application. The applicant may need to submit additional details. The applicant may be asked to come for an interview at the Embassy.

HERE YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE CHECKLIST OF REQUIRED DOCUMENTS BY CLICKING THE PDF-File.

Checklist can be printed and attached to visa application.

VISITING FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Applicants visiting family members or friends legally residing in Finland.

FAMILY MEMBERS OF FINNISH/ EU/EEA/CH CITIZENS

An unmarried child aged under 18 whose parent or guardian the person residing in Finland is

If the person residing in Finland is a minor, his other parent or guardian is a family member

Same sex partner if the partnership is nationally registered

Persons living continuously in a marriage-like relationship in the same household are comparable to a married couple regardless of their sex, provided that they have verifiably lived together for at last two years. The cohabitation requirement is not valid if the persons have joint custody of a child or if there is some other weighty reason (Aliens Act, para 37). Cohabitation has to be proved.

FAMILY MEMBER OF AN EU, EEA OR CH CITIZEN (who enjoy the rights of free movement)

Spouse;

Partner with whom the EU citizen has contracted a registered partnership, on the basis of the legislation of any Member State, if the legislation of the host Member State treats registered partnership as equivalent to marriage;

Direct descendants who are under the age of 21 or are dependant as well as those of the spouse or partner as defined above;

Dependant direct relatives in the ascending line and those of the spouse or partner as defined above.

TRANSIT

Applicants travelling through Finland to a non-Schengen country. Visa is needed if you leave the airport's non-Schengen transit area or travel to Finland by car etc., or you need an airport transit visa.

Travel Medical Insurance

Each applicant (including children) must have a travel medical insurance. Exceptions are family members of Finnish citizens and EU/EEA/CH citizens, as well as holders of diplomatic and official passports.

Basic requirements for an insurance policy:

Insurance should cover the entire validity period of the visa and all of the planned days of stay.

Insurance validity area should cover the whole Schengen area or to be worldwide. No areal restrictions are allowed (for example “Finland, Schengen”).

The minimum requirement for insurance coverage is 30.000 euros or the equivalent amount in other currency (for example 50.000 US dollars)

The insurance policy should insure your costs in case of sudden illness or accident and assistance on site, including the costs of medical repatriation to the place of permanent residence of the insured person or the repatriation in case of death.

Original insurance policy needs to be presented during submission; applicant can provide a copy to the application (Embassy does not return documents after application has been processed).

Travel medical insurances can be bought from any European insurance company and from companies from the Common list of recognized Travel Medical Insurance Companies in Thailand. To see the list of accepted insurance companies in Thailand click here.

Processing Time

The estimated processing time for visa applications depends on the purpose of the travel:
Processing time is up to 15 calendar days: